How to Force an Azalea Cutting

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Flowering azalea shrubs (Rhododendron spp.) usually burst into bloom in spring after spending the winter months dormant. These flowering shrubs grow in U.S. Department of Agriculture plant hardiness zones 5 through 9, depending on the variety. You can speed up blooming and enjoy the flowers indoors by forcing azalea cuttings. The forcing process mimics spring conditions early so the plants come out of dormancy and commence flowering more quickly.

1

Select a 12-inch-long azalea branch that's covered in large flower buds, which are larger than leaf buds. Cut the branch from the plant with clean shears, making the cut within 1/4 inch of a bud.

2

Slit the cut end of the stem vertically with a knife. Cut two 1-inch slits in the bottom, with the slits crossing to make an “X” cut.

3

Place the slit stem in a bucket of water and set it in a 60-degree Fahrenheit location. Replenish the water as needed in the bucket and keep the temperature cool in the room until the buds begin to show color and swell, usually within three to six weeks.

4

Fill a vase with water. Dissolve a packet of floral preservative in the water to provide nutrients to the blooming azalea cutting.

5

Display the azalea in a location that receives bright but indirect sunlight. Move it to a cooler 40 to 60 degree location at night, if possible, to help prolong the flowering life.

6

Change the water in the vase and supply fresh preservative if the water becomes discolored or filled with debris. Pinch off old flowers from the azalea branch as soon as they wilt.

Things You Will Need

Shears

Bucket

Knife

Vase

Floral preservative

Tip

Keep your forced azalea branches in the refrigerator at night to help prolong bloom. Move them to your preferred display location during the day.

About the Author

Jenny Harrington has been a freelance writer since 2006. Her published articles have appeared in various print and online publications. Previously, she owned her own business, selling handmade items online, wholesale and at crafts fairs. Harrington's specialties include small business information, crafting, decorating and gardening.